Junior Caminero makes decision on 2026 Home Run Derby

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

Junior Caminero makes decision on 2026 Home Run Derby

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 2:48 PM ET

It comes as no surprise that Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero has announced that he will be participating in the Home Run Derby this season.

The 22-year-old has been on an impressive power surge and has logged 22 home runs with a .292 batting average and a .932 OPS. This will be the second consecutive year that Caminero participates in the event as he is seeking to earn his first Home Run Derby champion title.

Last season, he was the runner-up and fell short of the Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh, as Caminero only hit 15 home runs compared to Raleigh's 18.

Fans can watch the Home Run Derby live on Netflix on July 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Caminero is the first player to confirm his participation in the 2026 Home Run Derby.

Junior Caminero announced on his Instagram that he'll be participating in the Home Run Derby pic.twitter.com/dtof14C7l2
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 30, 2026

Junior Caminero was born for the Derby

Since May 1, Caminero's advanced offensive metrics have been off the charts, and he has led MLB with a 1.002 OPS, a .423 wOBA, 85 hard hits and a 111.4 mph 90th percentile average exit velocity.

The young yet dominant athlete will be looking to take the national stage. He has crushed eight home runs in June and has been on a historic power surge for the Rays as of late. He has hit seven home runs in his last seven games with a remarkable 1.231 OPS.

Caminero will be on a mission to get his crown this season as he looks to be the biggest threat. Last season, he made himself known, but this season, he means business and is looking to snag his first Derby title. He's not even in his prime yet, but with the way he's been hitting, his performance resembles that of a veteran superstar.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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